One Christmas, a few years ago, was delightfully spent with extended family. Over twenty of us in all. Inclement weather forced an extra day of togetherness, which was actually welcomed. It was comfortable, friendly, warm, and exceptionally cozy, at times. Lots of Read More

It happens every year. We know it’s coming, well, us northern folk do anyway. Yet, every year we seem surprised when it actually hits. And right now it’s just days away… maybe several, but still only days. Snow, snow and more snow. Then of course there’s the shoveling. Lots and lots of shoveling. There are some gluttons among us who actually enjoy winter. The warm, woolly socks types. Scarves wrapped up to here and sweaters pulled down to there. They tromp through the snow Read More

You’ve had years to get used to her, but still there are the occasional comments that tie you into knots. Whether she lives around the corner or halfway around the world, few things are as challenging as your relationship with your mother-in-law. Hopefully you are not living the life of Debra Barone of Everybody Loves Raymond fame and maybe, instead, you’re one of the lucky ones with a perfectly delightful mother-in-law. Whatever the case, during the holidays we’re Read More

Many things in life bring a smile to my face, but few create such a rich kaleidoscope of images as the sound of skates on ice. The raspy, fluid sound of the blades, as they carve into the surface of the ice on a cold winter’s night. Etched in my mind, Read More

One of my favourite Hallowe’en memories happened a few years ago not at home greeting Trick or Treaters, but when traveling around the beautiful Eastern Townships in Quebec. It was in part a weekend getaway, but mostly a chance to Read More